The students, under the direction of Patton drama director Emily Wilcox, are the first junior troupe from Oregon ever to attend the national festival.

Out of 47 groups, Patton’s thespians were awarded an Excellence in Acting award for their performance of “Seuessical.”

Students participated in technical theatre events and performed in adjudicated sessions. Five students were honored with special recognition for their work and performed in front of the 1,400 attendees.

Those students include seventh grader Kaylee Keikkala and eighth grader Caleb Patrick, who were selected as All Star Performers. They attended an extra workshop, and learned an entire performance piece.

Eighth grader Hannah Gray was chosen to participate in Broadway Slam. She also went to an extra workshop and learned a performance.

Seventh grader Coralyn Reinker and eighth grader Zoe Langbecker were two of only five performers chosen for the Showcase.